Why Interactive Ultrasonic Programs are Important to Effectively Control Algae

Many different algal types can bloom in a water body. Some of these algae are plant cells, while others are bacteria. Algae may vary in size, shape and cell characteristics. Typically, the type of algae that blooms depends on water temperature and sun hours. As a result, algal types may change several times during a season.

To effectively control algae with ultrasound, it is important to know that all these different algal sizes and shapes respond to differing optimal frequencies. Figure 1 illustrates a random group of algal cells, each with a different shape and size. To be controlled effectively, each of these algal types requires a different ultrasonic frequency. Hence, to effectively control algae and address seasonal changes in algal species, a frequency program should be specific and variable.

Figure 1: Different algal types that can be encountered in water bodies.

How does LG Sonic deal with these variations?

LG Sonic has conducted over 10 years of research to determine the most optimal frequencies, waveforms and amplitudes to control different types of algae. This research has resulted in a database containing different algal species, water quality characteristics and applications related to the most optimal ultrasonic program.

Algae are among the oldest organisms in the world. They have managed to survive this long, because they are highly adaptive. Some algal types can resist extreme temperatures or pH values and cope with fluctuations in these conditions better than other organisms such as plants. Because of algae’s adaptability, algae can easily develop resistance to algaecides and other treatment methods, including ultrasound.

Figure 2: A typical example of why ultrasonic programs need to be changed. The letter “M” in the graphic indicates a program change

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive the latest news about LG Sonic algae control

My email

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How other ultrasonic manufacturers attempt to deal with these issues

LG Sonic is the only company that provides ultrasonic algae control solutions based on a proven database designed in collaboration with several universities. This database is constantly expanding based on data provided by the MPC-Buoy systems around the world.

Cannot alter the ultrasonic programs on their devices

Do not know what the most effective ultrasonic programs are for different algal types

Cannot monitor the growth of the algae present in the water

To attempt to compensate for these shortcomings, most ultrasonic manufacturers use a “broad spectrum frequency program” wherein as many frequencies as possible are emitted in attempt to include the correct ultrasonic frequency in their program. However, at the same time, many emitted ultrasonic frequencies that are being send out by such systems are useless and do not have any effect on the algae. Moreover, because of the large number of frequencies in these programs, effective frequencies are sent for only a limited time, decreasing equipment efficiency.

Because frequency programs cannot be changed, treatment with these systems may also lead to resistant algal strains.

To conclude, expect the following when using these systems:

Limited effect on algal growth due to the use of broad frequency programs

Resistant algal strain growth after approximately 3 months of treatment

Faster ultrasonic transmitter wear and tear due to unnecessarily high power consumption